Buccaneers Better With Biggers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 14: Receiver Jon Baldwin #89 of the Kansas City Chiefs cannot come up with this pass as defender E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 14, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Edjaun Cinclair “E. J.” Biggers was born on June 13, 1987 in Miami, Florida. He attended North Miami Beach High School. While there he played quarterback and defensive back in the three years he was a starter. In 2004, Biggers was named Dade County Player of the Year. The award goes to the best player in Miami. Rivals.com rated him the 38th-best cornerback prospect and the 67th prospect in the state of Florida.

Biggers attended Western Michigan University where he majored in family studies. He started 40 of the 46 games he played for the Broncos. In 2006, Biggers started all 12 games. He had interceptions in three straight games. In the International Bowl against the University of Cincinnati, Biggers threw for his first career touchdown for 76 yards. He ended the season having four interceptions and 31 tackles. In 2007, he started all 12 games. In that season, Biggers set a career mark for tackles against the University of Missouri. He finished the season with 41 tackles, one force fumble and one interceptions. In 2008, Biggers started all 13 games and received second Team All-MAC honors. He had 62 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions for the season. While in college, Biggers did kick-off and punt returns. He ended his college career with 134 tackles and seven interceptions.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Biggers in the seventh round, 217 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was the first player the Bucs drafted from Western Michigan University.In his first season, he suffered a season ending shoulder injury during Week One of practice. Biggers NFL debut came in Week One in 2010 versus the Cleveland Browns. He replaced the suspended Aqib Talib and ended up with six tackles and his first career interception. He played in all 16 games that season. Biggers racked up 56 tackles and one interception. In 2011, he had 55 tackles and one interception. He played all 16 games once again. In the 2012 season, Biggers started it injured like the 2009 season and like the 2010 season, Biggers first game came in replacement of the Talib suspension. In the four games Biggers has played, he has racked up 13 tackles.

Biggers has been a big part of the community. He helped surprise families with tickets to a Bucs game along with gift cards and a shopping spree. He has visited middle schoolers and took part in football drills and spoke on how it is important to live healthy. Biggers also took part in the Bucs Halloween Celebration by participating in arts and crafts with children. He has played video games with military personnel. Biggers went to Sea World with Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. He has also distributed teddy bears to patients at All Children’s Hospital. Biggers also sang holiday songs to residents at a retirement home.

Biggers may not have been drafted early or suppose to be a starter, but he has shown the Bucs how talented he really is. Biggers has been lucky in the opportunities that he has gotten and during those opportunities, he has shown that the team is better when he plays.

Kyra Hallett is a freelance writer and a Multimedia Sports Journalist. She has experience covering Tampa Bay sports in many outlets including Examiner.com. Her dream job would be to work with the athletes and their fans. You can view some of her work at KyraHallett.com or here at Examiner.com.